Art Dedication FeePlanning & Economic
Development
MEMORANDUM
TO: Honorable Mayor and Hopkins City Council Members
FROM: Kersten Elverun i ctor of Planning & Development
DATE: July 5, 2012
SUBJECT: Art Dedication Fee
A discussion of the concept of an art dedication fee for projects requesting a
zoning change to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) has been scheduled for the
July 10, 2012, City Council work session. The idea of requesting a contribution
to the City's public art endeavors came about with the review of Swervo
Development's application for PUD zoning on the former Mayon Plastic site and
staff is interested in hearing if this concept is one that should be pursued with
future PUD projects. As a basis for the discussion, I have identified what may be
some of your questions.
Why did staff suggest an art dedication fee for the former Mayon Plastics
redevelopment project?
The developer was seeking PUD zoning so that parking could occur in the front
yard setback of the site. They were also asking for a reduction on the drive lane
width. Staff reviewed the site plan and suggested that bike parking, restrictions
on backlit signage and a public art contribution would enhance the project and
offset the items the developer would be granted.
An art dedication fee was thought to be an appropriate way to further the action
step identified in the recent goal -setting work of strengthening the image of
Hopkins as arts community.
Is Staff recommending the adoption of a policy for Art Dedication Fees?
Staff is not recommending that an art dedication fee be required through a formal
policy, rather it is negotiated based on the project and the owner's interest. The
intent is not to be onerous but rather to give future developer's an opportunity to
contribute to the public art of the community.
How is this fee different than the Park Dedication Fee?
The Park Dedication Fee is a set fee collected as part of a re -platting of a
property, which may or may not require a PUD zoning change. Likewise, a PUD
zoning request does not always involve re -platting. It is enforced through a
formal policy, but has been waived on a case-by-case basis.
Is it envisioned that every application for a PUD zoning change pay an art
dedication fee?
No, every project will be reviewed based on its own characteristics. If there are
other elements that are more important to the overall project, those will be
considered first. If the project can not financially support a contribution, that will
also be taken in to account.
How often is the City asked for PUD zoning?
In Hopkins, it is fairly rare that the City approves PUD zoning requests. PUD's
are generally reserved for large projects on sites with unique circumstances.
Generally it is sought by the developer to avoid one or more of the requirements
of the underlying zoning such as setbacks, height or signage restrictions, and thus
avoiding the need for a variance. It gives the City the opportunity to then ask for
things that in return make the project better for the community.
In the past 10 years, PUD zoning has been used for the Marketplace Lofts,
Excelsior Crossings and Marketplace & Main projects. In the future, it is
envisioned that it may be used for the former BP site on Blake Road and the Klodt
development on Wh Avenue.
How will the art dedication fee be used?
Staff is envisioning that the fee will be used a variety of ways and in a variety of
forms. For example, if the developer would like to install their own art they
would be allowed to do that in lieu of a fee (and approved through the site plan
review process).
Any fees collected could be used to support Hopkins Artstreet or to be used for
commissioned art that may be placed at entrances to the City or in parks or other
public spaces. It could also be used on the site it was generated from, as an art
form that both the City and property owner agree to after the project is completed.
How the fees are used is an area of further discussion at the work session.
Do other cities charge art dedication fees?
Staff is aware that the city of St. Louis Park has collected an art dedication fee on
past projects. They do not have a set amount but rather it is negotiated separately
for each project.
I look forward to the July 10, 2012, work session to discuss this further.